Rody to military: Demolish IS rebels

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines to demolish extremist groups which he said subscribe to a “bankrupt” ideology.

Mr. Duterte in a speech at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu late Saturday directed the military to stop groups disturbing public order in Mindanao.

“I assure you that you have my full support as you conduct intensive military operations against terrorist groups, particularly those who subscribe to the extremist ideologies of the Islamic State and al-Qaeda,” Duterte said.

“That’s just a bankrupt ideology. They only knew how to kill and destroy. So my order to you: destroy and kill them also,” he added.

He said the task of soldiers is to risk their lives “but the country remembers you.”

“I will give my fullest attention and all that you needed from the time you enter the service up to the time [you leave] I already have plans,” he said.

The Chief Executive told the wounded soldiers he admired them for their bravery and patriotism and assured them of the government’s assistance.

“I will make sure that your wives will have a job and I will take care of the education of your children, you will not have problems on that,” he added.

The President said he preferred to work with soldiers and those who have military experience since they get the job done and that civilians are usually “lazy and cowered.”

“What I want from them (officials) is when they are ordered, they should comply and that there would be no irregularities,” he said.

“Presidents like me or even Gloria (Macapagal Arroyo) rely on the military members who have one word, one honor. There is no fooling around,” he added.

“All I can say with pride: You are not alone in this fight. The Filipino people stand beside you and I stand with you every step of the way as we advance the common good and promote the safety of our nation,” he said.

Mr. Duterte visited and thanked the wounded soldiers for their unwavering service and heroism to just maintain peace in the country.

Before his speech, he visited 21 wounded soldiers at the camp hospital where he pinned the Order of the President of the Lapu-Lapu on each of them.

The soldiers were wounded in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said the President also gave financial aid, mobile phones, watches and certificates for guns.

The President also visited the Kuta General Teodolfo Bautista where he distributed to soldiers watches and packs containing relief goods.

I will make sure that your wives will have a job and I will take care of the education of your children, you will not have problems on that.

Duterte also gave a speech where he thanked them for their service.

The wounded soldiers who received the award were Sgt. Wilmar Salde, Sgt. Jonathan Mamalompong, Sgt. Alejandro Bautista, Sgt. Agripino Pagauitan, Sgt. Randy Menor, Cpl. Jeffrey Zippagan, Cpl. Jeramil Canipas, Cpl. Edward Tamangen Jr., Cpl. Arnel Walay, Cpl. Raffy Jay Hernal, Cpl. Joel Wawoc, PFC Delim Cawas, PFC Arnold Daria, PFC Raib Pannal, Pvt. Leo Molina, Pvt. Ronnie Galinggan, Pvt. Jonel Ramiscal, Pvt. Jackson Ramos, Pvt. Ruben Ruping Jr., Pvt. Jobert Galas and Pvt. Jake Venezuela.